If Christ is Not Your Lord
E.A. Johnston passionately warns that without acknowledging Christ as Lord, one cannot truly be saved, highlighting the spiritual and moral consequences of rejecting His lordship.
In this compelling sermon, E.A. Johnston addresses the critical but often overlooked doctrine of the Lordship of Jesus Christ. He challenges listeners to examine whether Christ truly reigns as Lord in their lives, emphasizing that mere profession of faith is insufficient for salvation. Through vivid contrasts and biblical insight, Johnston calls for genuine repentance and submission to Christ’s authority, warning of the grave spiritual consequences of neglecting this truth.
Full Transcript
In Jeremiah 8 5 we read, Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by perpetual backsliding? They hold fast to seat, they refuse to return. I hearkened and heard, but they spake not aright. No man repented of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? The title of my message today, friends, is, If Christ is not your Lord.
Because the message of the Lordship of Jesus Christ is a neglected doctrine in our churches today. And because of that, we have gotten out our pocket knives, and have carved out for ourselves a God who won't get in the way of our daily living. But I submit to you today, friends, that if Christ is not your Lord, you are not saved, even if you are the chairman of the deacons.
If Christ is not your Lord, you are not saved, even if you are the pastor of a big church. If Christ is not your Lord, you are not saved, even if you teach in a seminary. If Christ is not your Lord, you are not saved, even if you made a public profession for Jesus.
If Christ is not your Lord, you will love sin more than holiness. If Christ is not your Lord, you will be indifferent to the lost and perishing. If Christ is not your Lord, your life will be full of lies and deceit.
If Christ is not your Lord, your anger and temper will control you. If Christ is not your Lord, you will have a filthy mouth. If Christ is not your Lord, you will hoard your money to yourself.
If Christ is not your Lord, you will spend little time in prayer. If Christ is not your Lord, you will not have a personal witness to the lost. If Christ is not your Lord, you will boast and brag of what you have and what you've done.
If Christ is not your Lord, you will be full of yourself. If Christ is not your Lord, you will seldom read your Bible. If Christ is not your Lord, you will spread gossip about others.
If Christ is not your Lord, you will serve at church for self-recognition. If Christ is not your Lord, you will not tolerate strong preaching. If Christ is not your Lord, you will not lift a finger to spread the gospel.
If Christ is not your Lord, you will maintain a bitter and unforgiving heart. If Christ is not your Lord, you will be unfaithful to your spouse. If Christ is not your Lord, sin will no longer shock you.
If Christ is not your Lord, then the world possesses your heart. If Christ is not your Lord, you will be a complainer and a grumbler. If Christ is not your Lord, you will not support missionary endeavors.
If Christ is not your Lord, you will never pray for revival. If Christ is not your Lord, you are content with watered-down preaching. If Christ is not your Lord, you will seldom speak of God or spiritual things.
If Christ is not your Lord, you will enjoy sexually stimulating entertainment. If Christ is not your Lord, then Jesus is not your master. If Christ is not your Lord, then you are comfortable with the world and indifferent to eternity.
If Christ is not your Lord, you will have no joy of the Lord. If Christ is not your Lord, you will have a spirit of ingratitude. If Christ is not your Lord, you will have a lack of love for God.
If Christ is not your Lord, you are full of pride who seeks recognition. If Christ is not your Lord, you are a hypocrite because Jesus is welcome as your Savior, but He is unwelcome as your Lord. If Christ is not your Lord, you will be legalistic and judgmental.
If Christ is not your Lord, you will be mean-spirited toward others. If Christ is not your Lord, your feet will be quick to evil. And if Christ is not your Lord, you surely will die in your sins and go to hell.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to the neglected doctrine of Christ's lordship
- Jeremiah 8:5 as a foundation for backsliding and refusal to repent
- The danger of carving out a God who fits our lifestyle
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II
- If Christ is not your Lord, you are not truly saved regardless of status
- Examples of spiritual failure without Christ's lordship
- The contrast between profession and true submission
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III
- Manifestations of a life without Christ as Lord: sin, pride, and hypocrisy
- The impact on personal holiness, relationships, and witness
- The ultimate consequence: death in sin and eternal separation
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IV
- Call to genuine repentance and submission to Christ's lordship
- The necessity of Christ’s lordship for true salvation
- Encouragement to examine one’s heart and life
Key Quotes
“If Christ is not your Lord, you are not saved, even if you are the chairman of the deacons.” — E.A. Johnston
“If Christ is not your Lord, sin will no longer shock you.” — E.A. Johnston
“If Christ is not your Lord, then you are comfortable with the world and indifferent to eternity.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Evaluate your life to ensure Christ is truly your Lord, not just your Savior.
- Repent of any sin and submit fully to Jesus' authority in daily living.
- Engage actively in prayer, Bible reading, and sharing the gospel as evidence of Christ’s lordship.